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Thicker than Water

Name: Thicker than Water
Director: Keisuke Yoshida
Released: 2018
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2018

Director

Keisuke Yoshida

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Thicker than Water is a character-driven domestic drama that emphasizes personal relationships within a traditional framework. The film highlights a female protagonist with professional ability to act but stays within conventional social structures. It relies heavily on established romantic clichés and a homogeneous cultural setting. Although it touches on the complexities of social reintegration, it does not engage with diverse identities or broader societal issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Thicker than Water have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on traditional heterosexual romantic relationships and does not depict any non-straight relationships or same-sex intimacy in the main storyline.

How does Thicker than Water portray gender?

Fair

Yuria stands out as a strong female character who runs her own business. However, Mako's character might fall into the 'ditsy' stereotype, reinforcing conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Thicker than Water?

Fair

The story is set in a specific Japanese cultural context and does not explore diverse ethnic backgrounds or multi-ethnic casts.

How does Thicker than Water represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative delves into familial obligations and the challenges faced by individuals returning to society after being released from prison. It does not address secularism or anti-Western sentiments.

Does Thicker than Water include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it feature anyone identified as neurodivergent or living with chronic illnesses.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist who demonstrates professional leadership through her business.
Explores nuanced themes of familial obligation and social reintegration.

Limited or Absent

Depends on conventional heterosexual romantic clichés and traditional gender roles.
Does not include representation of LGBTQ+ identities or diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

Hard-working Yuria runs a small printing company. Despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to attract the attention of Kazunari, a polite yet aloof client who is more interested in flirting with Mako, Yuria’s ditzy younger sister and employee. Meanwhile, Kazunari has his hands full with Takuji, his rough-hewn brother who was recently released from prison and is crashing at his apartment.

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